Week in Review: Katie Beers Speaks Out; Whales Wash Ashore

News

Katie Beers Thanks East Hampton Community for Its Protection: A victim of sexual abuse and kidnapping, Katie Beers says she would never have recovered had it not been for those who helped her in East Hampton and Springs.

Ambulance Response Time Called into Question: A 20-minute wait is "unacceptable," paid EMS personnel "on the table," mayor says.

Friends Make Montauk School Supe Grand Marshal: Jack Perna will lead the 2013 Montauk Friends of Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17.

ARF Adoptions Up Nearly 40 Percent in 2012: Donations to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons in Wainscott increased as well last year, though event fundraising was flat.

Moran Trust Names Richard Barons Executive Director: New board will lead the restoration project in its second phase.

Whales Wash Ashore

• Dead Whale Washes Up on Napeague
• Baby Whale Euthanized
• Necropsies: Ship Killed Large Whale; Baby Whale Very Ill

Arts

: Benefit dinner on March 4 in New York City will honor those in the visual and performing arts.

Business

Landscaping Design Firm Comes 'Home': Groundworks Landscaping @ Hrens brings new life to former Jos. A. Hren Nurseries in East Hampton.

Government

Village Code Enforcement Officer Resigns: Board now looks to fill two positions at East Hampton Village Hall.

Long Wharf Deed Transfer Ceremony Planned: Community is invited Feb. 8 as ownership of Long Wharf is returned to Sag Harbor Village.

Bishop Lauds House Approval of $50.7B Sandy Relief Bill: Funds will assist areas across Long Island impacted by Hurricane Sandy — though the Senate has yet to vote.

East Hampton Reacts to New York Gun Control Bill: Local state lawmakers support the NY SAFE Act.

Opinion

Which Business Offers the Best in Customer Service?: Last week, East Hampton Patch readers said customer service is alive and well.

Police & Fire

Pedestrian Struck in Sag Harbor: The patient flown to Stony Brook University Medical Center.

Cops Unsure What Caused Wainscott Crash: Village police still investigating why two vehicles collided on Montauk Highway Friday night.

Police Investigate String of Thefts from Cars: Also: $30,000 Bobcat skid-steer and $20,000 tractor were reported stolen from separate locations last week.

'Boom' Makers Elude Montauk Cops: Mysterious "explosion" sound, heard for at least three months, is believed to be fireworks.

Village's Officer of the Year Uncovered Rape: Mario Julio Galeano, the department's only Latino officer, will be lauded at a dinner later in January.

Schools

Concert Will Honor Late Musician: Gregg Rickards was just 23 when he passed away from cancer in August; His family has set up a scholarship fund in his honor.

Sag Harbor School Board Extends Interim Superintendent's Contract: Dr. Carl Bonuso will continue as interim superintendent through the end of the 2013-14 academic year.

Sports

First Indoor Turf Bubble in the Hamptons Kicks Off Inaugural Winter: New turf facility offers players the chance to hone skills indoors during harsh weather.