Christine Sampson

1 week ago | easthamptonstar.com | Christine Sampson

The New York State comptroller’s office has completed another audit of the Montauk Fire District, alleging that the district overcompensated its 17 paid emergency responders and failed to resolve discrepancies in time-clock activity for three of those employees. This audit report marks the second time in about six months that the comptroller’s office has uncovered errors that point to mismanagement in the fire district.

2 weeks ago | easthamptonstar.com | Christine Sampson

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine called it an “aha moment” — an awakening after the Westhampton Pines fire on March 14. He’d had enough of the devastation caused by the southern pine beetle across the county he leads, and he wanted to do something about it. So Mr. Romaine convened a symposium on April 23 to share the new science-based steps the county is taking to fight the beetle battle, as well as to cultivate awareness and address questions from the public.

2 weeks ago | southforker.com | Christine Sampson

The days that elapsed since the April 16 reopening of the Sagaponack General Store have affirmed the vision that its owner Mindy Gray had when she bought and began renovating the store four years ago. “It’s been absolutely fabulous,” says Gray. “I’ve gotten the warmest welcome from the community, which has meant so much to me.”Stepping into the sunshine-filled store is an uplifting experience. The scent of coffee and baked goods fills the air.

3 weeks ago | easthamptonstar.com | Christine Sampson

A Brooklyn man has admitted guilt in a million-dollar drug dealing scheme involving cocaine meant for sale on the East End. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced Tuesday that Michael Khodorkovskiy pleaded guilty to one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree, a felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Mr. Khodorkovskiy, 44, and a co-defendant, Alexandr Dyatchin of East Hampton, 39, were arrested on Aug.

1 month ago | easthamptonstar.com | Christine Sampson

What defines a “professional” artist, especially here in East Hampton, the East End’s original artist colony? The answers are endless, and it’s a question that Shari Goddard Shambaugh struggles with each time she talks about her art. Those conversations are infrequent to begin with, she says, because she tends not to engage in a lot of self-promotion.