Two WWII MIAs Identified:

 The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of remains of two Army soldiers missing in action from America’s longest continuously fought battle.  They are Sgt. Edward T. Jones, of West Pawlet, VT, and Pfc. James C. Konyud from Cleveland.  On Nov. 6, 1944, Jones and five other members of A Company, 112^th Infantry Regiment, 28^th Infantry Division, were traveling east along the Germany/Belgium border in the Hürtgen Forest when a German tank fired point-blank into their position.  On Jan. 1, 1945, Konyud, a member of K Company, 121^st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, was reported missing during a heavy engagement against enemy forces in the Hürtgen Forest.  Read more about Jones’ recover and identification at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13915, and Konyud’s recovery and identification at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13912

****CANOE TRIP BENEFIT****

****CANOE TRIP BENEFIT****

ON THE NISSEQUOGUE RIVER

FRIENDS OF CALEB SMITH PRESERVE BENEFIT

Saturday, September 25,2010

9:00 AM Registration at Paul T. Given Park

(across from the Bull)

Enjoy a Delicious Catered Barbecue & Live Music

At CALEB SMITH PRESERVE

$125 Tax Deductible Donation per Canoe

(Includes lunch for all in the canoe)

(Maximum 2 adults & 2 children, or 3 adults per canoe)

Limited single and double kayaks available

BBQ/Entertainment Only - $35.00 per Person

BBQ starts at 12:30 PM

For more information, please call (631) 686 5541

Armed Robbery In Commack

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a burglary in which three masked men beat a resident and stole cash from him last night.

 A 21-year-old man was returning home to 301 Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack at approximately 9:30 p.m. when he was approached outside by three masked men who forced him inside the home. The men, who were armed with what appeared to be rifles, beat the resident and demanded cash. The suspects took cash then fled.

The victim was transported to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown where he was treated and released for head injuries.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

DEC INVITES ALL TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY

This Saturday, Sept. 25 at DEC’s Ridge (Suffolk Co.) Hunter Check Station

ON LONG ISLAND

Saturday, Sept. 25, is the 39

“Hunting and fishing are an important part of Long Island’s heritage, and we are very fortunate that our region offers a multitude of diverse and rewarding recreational opportunities,” DEC Region One Director Peter A. Scully said. “DEC applauds our local sportsmen and women for their tireless work towards the protection of our environment and natural resources. National Hunting and Fishing Day is the perfect time to recognize their achievements and efforts over the past century.”

National Hunting and Fishing Day was launched in 1972, as an official day of thanks to sportsmen and women who have, and continue to, heighten environmental awareness and contribute to the conservation of lands and forests.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, and will include a host of exhibits and demonstrations including: Rough Riders Cavalry Troop re-enactment; archery demonstrations; archery lessons for children; bait and fly casting demos; decoy displays; falconry exercises; horse show; hunting and retrieving dog demos; taxidermy display; and trapping display. Representatives from the Central Pine Barrens Commission, Suffolk County Parks Department, Suffolk County Police and Sheriff’s Depts., as well as numerous clubs and exhibitors will be in attendance. Entertainment including pony rides, clowns, free balloons and food will be available.

For more information, contact the Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen, Inc. by visiting their website at:

th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be collaborating with sportsmen and women throughout the state in celebrating the fun and challenging sports of hunting and fishing. Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen, with support from DEC Region One, will hold its annual celebration at the DEC Hunter Check Station in Ridge (Suffolk County). http://www.SuffolkAlliance.org, or calling at (631) 744-1689. More information about National Hunting and Fishing Day events throughout the state as well as the history of the day can be found at their website ( http://www.nhfday.org ).

New York State Parks Welcome More Than 42 Million Visitors This Year

 

Total reflects a 3.5 percent increase over 2009

Annual park passport sales up more than 36 percent

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced 2010 summer-end attendance figures. According to Commissioner Carol Ash, more than 42 million people visited state parks from January 1 through the end of August 2010. Statewide attendance is up 1.4 million park visitors over 2009, reflecting a 3.5 percent increase.

“It’s encouraging that public visitation to our state parks remains very strong in the current economic climate,” Ash said. “Despite starting the season with uncertainty, park visitation rebounded and we even saw a healthy increase in attendance over last year that was aided by spectacular summer weather.”

In addition to the park attendance, Ash announced that year-to-date sales of Empire Passports increased by 36 percent. A preliminary count of sales for the 2010 season totaled 67,402, up from 49,506 in 2009.

“Empire Passports offer a real value for park goers,” said Ash. “The $65 annual pass offers unlimited day use vehicle entry to New York’s state parks and recreational facilities.”

The number of booked nights at state parks campgrounds to date totals nearly 540,000, representing a decrease of 3 percent from 2009, which was a record year for camping.Ash welcomed the overall strong attendance figures, considering some parks and historic sites opened several months late and a number of high profile events didn’t take place this season, including the Fourth of July fireworks display at Jones Beach State Park. Ash also acknowledged that the uncertainty at the beginning of the season likely resulted in people making alternative plans for such offerings as campsites, pavilions and playing fields.

“Overall, we had a tremendous season and we hope that our visitors enjoyed their time swimming, camping, golfing, hiking and touring at our parks and historic sites,” said Ash. “We now turn our attention to the fall season. From fall camping and festivals to experiencing the spectacular fall foliage from a trail or a kayak we look forward to welcoming millions more visitors to our properties.”